Free Vocabulary MCQs with Answers

1181. Follow hot on the heels of, means:

• A. Happen very slowly
• B. Happen very soon
• C. Happen in hidden manner
• D. Happen slow and secretly

Explanation: To follow hot on someone’s heels means to follow very closely and soon after them. The expression suggests little time or distance between two events.

1182. 'Keep a tight rein on', means:

• A. Exercise strict control over
• B. Reign masses by force
• C. Ride horse fast
• D. Make uncomfortable

Explanation: To keep a tight rein on something means to exercise strict control over it. The image comes from firmly controlling a horse with its reins; “rein” is not “reign” here.

1183. "Till the cows come home", means:

• A. Until evening time
• B. For a very long time
• C. Futile efforts everyday
• D. Sometimes in a day

Explanation: “Till the cows come home” means for a very long or indefinite time. It does not literally refer only to the evening, although cows returning home can suggest a long wait.

1184. "In for a penny, in for a pound", means:

• A. Used to say: very expensive to purchase
• B. Used to say: finish a project once started at any cost
• C. Used to say: leave as soon as possible
• D. Used to say: having an intense and selfish desire for wealth or power.

Explanation: This idiom means that once an undertaking has begun, one should continue and complete it despite additional cost or difficulty. The penny and pound refer to increasing commitment, not simply expense.

1185. 'To put your foot in your mouth', means:

• A. To behave immaturely
• B. Compulsively bite or chew your skin
• C. Say something unnecessary and embarrassing
• D. To remain silent until you are asked to speak

Explanation: To put one’s foot in one’s mouth means to say something tactless, inappropriate, or embarrassing. It describes a verbal blunder, not a physical habit.

1186. "To keep your nose clean", means:

• A. Drink extra fluids during flu to keep from getting dehydrated
• B. Always remain clean and healthy
• C. Avoid getting into trouble
• D. Be quite and careful

Explanation: To keep your nose clean means to stay out of trouble and avoid wrongdoing. It is figurative, so it does not primarily concern physical cleanliness or health.

1187. 'Paint the town red', means:

• A. Make town colorful
• B. Keep something secret
• C. Go out and enjoy oneself
• D. Show the sign of danger

Explanation: To paint the town red means to go out and enjoy oneself, usually by celebrating or having an energetic night out. The town is not literally painted.

1188. 'Take a dim view of', means:

• A. Blur something
• B. Take it easy
• C. Pay no heed
• D. Disapprove and criticize

Explanation: To take a dim view of something means to regard it negatively and disapprove of it. “Dim” conveys a lack of approval or optimism, not a literal lack of light.

1189. 'Wake up and smell the coffee', means:

• A. Rouse and enjoy morning coffee
• B. Ignore every thing and enjoy
• C. Realize the truth and facts
• D. Be confident about yourself

Explanation: “Wake up and smell the coffee” urges someone to face reality and recognize the facts. The coffee is symbolic of becoming alert rather than an instruction to enjoy a drink.

1190. 'All hat and no cattle', means:

• A. Very impressive
• B. All talk but no action
• C. Much powerful and strong
• D. Place without animals

Explanation: “All hat and no cattle” describes someone who makes impressive claims or boasts but has no practical achievement or substance. The image contrasts a showy cowboy hat with the absence of cattle.